Development of a Portable Mass Spectrometer for accurate carbon isotope measurement

The University of Liverpool (UoL) and Q-Technologies are seeking to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified individual to undertake a three year doctoral research programme.

Accurate determination of carbon isotopic ratios is important for a wide range of measurement and monitoring scenarios including ecosystem-atmosphere interactions, climatological modelling, stable (13C) and radio (14C) isotope ratio measurement. In the oil and gas industry, measurement of 13C signatures from methane gas obtained during drilling operations is important in biogenic to thermo-genic methane determination. Paleontology and archaeology rely on stable isotope 13C measurement for indication of diet (based on C3 and C4 metabolic pathways). Recently the advent of miniature and micro-engineering technology has allowed the development of portable mass spectrometers which may be deployed in field conditions (i.e. out of the laboratory). Furthermore by using a hydrophobic membrane inlet, the sensing element may be used underwater for monitoring levels of dissolved isotopes including carbon and oxygen. Interest worldwide in such instruments is high and the potential market enormous.

To realise a portable quadrupole mass spectrometer for accurate measurement of carbon isotopic signatures in field conditions (i.e. out of the laboratory). Such an instrument could be used for monitoring and measuring anthropogenic carbon related GHGs (CO2, CH4) and VOCs, but if capable of this specification could also be used for a range of other GHGs (e.g. N2O)

Project objectives:
• Specification of the instrument for the carbon isotope measurement
• Simulation of the instrument performance using 3D computer modelling software
• System design
• Sourcing of component parts and procurement
• Build of prototype
• Test of prototype system in the laboratory
• Measurement of carbon isotopic signatures in field conditions

Students will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in one of the following, or related areas: Physics, Electronics, Engineering, Chemistry or Environmental Science. A relevant Master’s degree in the above areas and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: electronics, electrical engineering, electromagnetics, modelling/simulations, analytical chemistry, instrumentation, control systems, mass spectrometry, charged particle optics or environmental analysis, forensic and/or archaeological science.